James M. Richardson, II

Police Officer James Richardson was shot and killed after responding to investigate a disturbance on Blackburn Avenue. He was shot as he stepped out of his patrol car at the scene. The bullet hit him in the chest one-half inch above the top of his bullet-proof vest. A teenage suspect was arrested a short time later.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison on July 11, 1977. He was paroled on August 14, 1986.

Officer Richardson was a Vietnam War veteran.

Bio

Age24

Tour10 months

Badge008

Military Veteran

Incident Details

CauseGunfire

WeaponRifle; .22 caliber

OffenderParoled in 1986

Most Recent Reflection

To the family of Officer Richardson, and particularly those family members who left "reflections" on this site, I apologize for not leaving a "reflection" sooner. I came across Officer Richardson while reviewing the "This Day in History" files for April 22nd. While I am ashamed it took me 40 years, I hope you can take some solace that 40 years later, "James" is still remembered by members of the profession for which he gave his all. I thank him for his service...and I thank all of his family members for sharing him with all of us.